# bao

/ˈbaʊ/ (US) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bao
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

a type of soft, white Chinese bun that is cooked with steam. It usually has a tasty filling inside, like meat or vegetables.

For teachers: a steamed, leavened bun common in Chinese cuisine, typically filled with meat or vegetable preparations. Often refers specifically to the closed, round variety (baozi) or the open, folded style (gua bao).

## Examples

- I ordered a pork bao for lunch.
- The street food stall is famous for its fluffy bao filled with spicy mushrooms and ginger.
- While traditional bao are steamed in bamboo baskets to achieve their signature pillowy texture, modern fusion restaurants often experiment with unconventional fillings like wagyu beef or chocolate.

## Usage notes

- Usually countable when referring to individual buns; can be uncountable when referring to the dish in general.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.